squeamish

adjective

squea·​mish ˈskwē-mish 

1

a

: easily nauseated : queasy

b

: affected with nausea

2

a

: excessively fastidious or scrupulous in conduct or belief

b

: easily offended or disgusted

squeamishly adverb

squeamishness noun

Synonyms

• ill
• nauseated
• nauseous
• qualmish
• queasy
• queazy
• queer
• queerish
• sick
• sickish

Examples of squeamish in a Sentence

I used to be squeamish about eating raw fish.

I'm too squeamish to watch horror movies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rodgers, 41, had not expressed a sense of certainty (via his agent) about his plans, which made Schneider squeamish. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 19 June 2025

Even some Republicans are squeamish at the Trump administration’s aggressive tactics. —Al Weaver, The Hill, 29 May 2025

While few in the industry would question Iger’s worthiness of the prize, some board members have been squeamish over the optics, sources said. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 June 2025

However, those who are squeamish might want to avoid these six dog breeds that new research discovered are more susceptible to diarrhea. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English squaymisch, modification of Anglo-French escoymous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing squeamish

• not for the squeamish
• the squeamish

Rhymes for squeamish

• beamish

Kids Definition

squeamish

adjective

squea·​mish ˈskwē-mish 

1

a

: easily made sick : queasy

b

: affected with nausea : nauseated

2

: easily shocked or disgusted

squeamishly adverb

squeamishness noun